The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Published David Kimball’s article on the Trempealeau County Health Care Center in the 2018 AAH Academy Journal! Click on the Journal Below to learn about the Road to Recovery: Person-Centered Design Behavioral Health.

Letchworth State Park, south of Rochester, NY, is known as the Grand Canyon of the East where visitors travel every year to see the scenic gorge and hike in the surrounding forest. Many years ago, the drinking water for thirsty park-goers came from spring feeders from upland wetlands within the park boundary. The water was collected in pipes and stored in holding tanks, chlorinated and then used by park personnel and visitors alike. The system ran for decades without incidents.

At a time when public water supplies were in the spotlight for questionable water quality, park officials grew concerned and knew something needed to be done to maintain good water quality at Letchworth. The workings of the pipes and materials were very outdated and the access point of the water was difficult to reach.

Wendel was commissioned in 2006 to develop a plan to secure a safe drinking water supply for the park. The first step was to secure a new location to obtain potable water. The most economical approach was from the nearby Village of Castile, NY. Bringing water from Castile would mean going through private property and sensitive areas along the gorge. To avoid affecting the beauty and integrity of the park, Wendel leveraged our experience to use non-traditional pipeline installation methods like trenchless technology to protect sensitive land. Directional drilling heads were used to go under and around areas where traditional excavation would harm sensitive geology and environments. A drill is used uses smart drill head that can bore horizontally below grade to a target location. Thus minimizing ground disturbance.

This was able to satisfy the need for safe, clean water at park drinking fountains, campgrounds, the onsite Glen Iris Inn, and other recreational buildings and offices for 750,000 visitors each year. The project brought low maintenance and reduced operating costs for the system as well as increased reliability.

“The project at Letchworth State Park simplified a complex series of reservoirs and spring collectors while replacing aging waterlines. The result was a system which required less maintenance and produced a more consistent water quality. The new system was easier to monitor and gave park engineers the flexibility to make changes as necessary to provide clean great tasting water to the park patrons.” – Nathan Smith, Civil Engineer on the project

The water at Letchworth State Park is still as fresh and delicious today as it was when we first redesigned the system 12 years ago. The park continues to thrive and officials are happy to have such a dependable system in place. Just another example of how Wendel brings innovative solutions to customers.

Wendel is pleased to announce the addition of Ann E. Casey, AIA, LEED AP BD+C as a Project Architect working out of our downtown Buffalo, NY office in the Electric Tower. She comes to Wendel with over 10 years of experience as an Architectural Designer, Project Architect, and Business Development Leader. Ann will be focused on leading design efforts, client service, and project development in commercial interiors, healthcare, and education.

Ann has her Master of Architecture and her Master of Business Administration from the University at Buffalo and is a Registered Architect in New York State. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction. She is currently on the Board of Directors for The Graycliff Conservancy and regularly volunteer teaches for Junior Achievement of Western New York. Ann is also a frequent guest Studio Critic at the University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning.

Wendel has achieved re-accreditation through the National Association of Energy Services Companies (NAESCO) as an Energy Service Company (ESCO). Wendel is one of only 19 companies in North America to receive this accreditation. For more than 20 years, Wendel has been providing innovative ideas in energy efficiency to clients looking to reduce current energy and operating costs. Our Energy Services team uses their engineering and construction expertise to develop and deliver turnkey solutions that are both environmentally friendly and economically responsible.

NAESCO accreditation ensures that Wendel is providing the very best possible services to clients and is a company that develops and implements turnkey, comprehensive energy efficiency projects. The accreditation process is a rigorous examination of our technical competencies, project performance and business practices. Those elements are carefully reviewed by a committee totally independent of NAESCO and comprised of industry experts unaffiliated with NAESCO member companies. The standards driving accreditation are set on maintaining the highest quality standards that can be expected by the customer in providing products, services and energy cost savings.

“I am proud of the fact that we have held this prestigious accreditation for the past 10 years and will continue to hold it for 3 years until the next renewal. This is a testament to the consistent, high level of quality and service we provide our clients,” said Joseph A. DeFazio, PE, Vice President.